Manipulation or Motivation?

Manipulation or Motivation? Is there a difference? Is one better than the other? Are they the same? All good questions. Let’s find out.

Although manipulation and motivation start with the letter ‘m’, and there may seem to be some similarities, they are pretty different.

Manipulation of people is always wrong and a negative experience for someone or several. Motivation can be done with good behavior or poor behavior.

Oxford defines manipulation: as “to control or influence something or someone so that you get an advantage, often unfairly or dishonestly.”

WebMD says, “Manipulation is the exercise of harmful influence over others. People who manipulate others attack their mental and emotional sides to get what they want.”

Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong, but no godly principle validates being manipulative to get what you want. That is ungodly behavior.

Motivating someone is different and by far the preferred method in working with people.

Oxford defines motivation: as “to influence someone’s behaviour in a particular way.”

Verywellmind.com says, “Motivation is the process that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented behaviors.”

There are all kinds of reasons to motivate someone. I will not comment on the grounds to motivate but on the method used.

It is possible to do the right thing the wrong way. Another way of saying this is that the end does not justify the means.

The desired result may happen, but if unbridled anger, deception, disrespect, and a host of other similar traits are used to motivate those involved to get the desired outcome, the ultimate outcome will be similar to the man that built his house on the sand. 

When motivating, in the home, the business, the church house, or anywhere else live beings are present, it is always best to implement the fruit of the spirit in the motivation process. 

It is possible to do the right thing the right way. When you motivate others, which is a good thing, encourage them with kindness, patience, longsuffering, meekness, etc., which is the right way.

Don’t believe it will work? Try it for 90 days and let me know the outcome.

Happy New Year!